Plaridel Municipal Hall. Day Six. 14.8869, 120.8608

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Leaving Pulilan, I rode towards the municipality of Plaridel. The park there was quiet this afternoon, save for a few souls sitting idly to pass the heat of the day. There is a small amphitheater, quite wonderful really, a place appropriately built that would suit the very purpose of proclaiming the Word to a great company; yet today, it stood almost empty and silent. I saw but one quiet person sitting alone in that space—a pleasant young lass who showed me a kindness not always found among strangers. Taking heart, I approached her with a tract and asked the simplest of questions: 'Do you know the Christ?' Her reply was the same as so many others I have met—a name known to the ear, perhaps, but a Savior unknown to the heart.

Her name is E***a. She was kind and willing to acknowledge my presence and openly welcome a conversation. I was mindful to tread softly, for I had no wish to appear intimidating. We sat and talked as two strangers might, merely sharing stories, with no obligation or constraint. I sought to show the beauty of the Master through simple kindness, hoping that by laying aside the 'preacher’s mantle' for a moment, the Word might find a more natural way into her heart. It was a peaceful exchange, a reminder that the Gospel at times travels best through having a friendly word.

As I delivered my piece, in came another listener—a young child who frequents the park to ask for alms. Her name is P******s. Though her young life has already been hardened by the necessity of the streets, she possessed an intelligent and trusting soul, perhaps too trusting to a fault. She sat quietly beside us and listened with an intentness that many a 'learned' man might well envy. My heart was moved with a great pity for her, seeing in her a child of the Father who has known little of the world's comforts but much of its coldness. I was only too glad to be of some small help to her before we parted. It is a humbling thing to realize that while we speak of high doctrines, the Lord often sends us a little child to remind us that His kingdom belongs to the simple and the poor in spirit.

I did not find a great multitude to address in Plaridel as I had but an hour before, yet I was sent specially for these two precious souls who were made in the image of God. Though no crowd gathered to hear, I was permitted to tell these dear ones of the wonders of the Saviour just the same. As the Great Shepherd leaves the ninety-and-nine to seek the one, and it is my joy to follow in His steps. Now, as the day fades, I leave them in His keeping. May the LORD be pleased to grant them that saving grace which no man can give, and which only He, in His infinite mercy, can bestow. I am but the voice; He is the Life. To Him be the glory.

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